Major League Eating

Major League Eating (logo)

Major League Eating (MLE) is an organization that oversees professional competitive eating events and competitions. It is the world body that governs all stomach-centric sports and competitive eating events. MLE coordinates events in the United States and internationally, ensuring that competitions are conducted fairly and safely.

History

Major League Eating was founded in 1997 by George Shea and Richard Shea. The organization was initially known as the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) before rebranding to its current name. The Sheas are credited with popularizing competitive eating as a sport and bringing it to mainstream audiences.

Competitions

MLE sanctions a variety of eating contests, including the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, which takes place annually on July 4 at Coney Island, New York City. Other notable competitions include the Wing Bowl, the Krystal Square Off, and the World Ice Cream Eating Championship.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is perhaps the most well-known event organized by MLE. It has been held since 1916 and attracts top competitive eaters from around the world. The contest is held at the original Nathan's Famous restaurant on Coney Island.

Rules and Regulations

MLE has established a set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety and fairness of its competitions. These include guidelines on the types of food that can be used, the duration of contests, and the methods of consumption. Competitors are also required to sign waivers and undergo health checks before participating.

Notable Eaters

Some of the most famous competitive eaters in the world are associated with MLE. These include:

• Joey Chestnut - Known for his multiple victories at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
• Takeru Kobayashi - A Japanese competitive eater who has set numerous world records.
• Sonya Thomas - Also known as "The Black Widow," she is one of the top female competitive eaters.

Media Coverage

MLE events are widely covered by media outlets and are often broadcast on television. The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, for example, is aired live on ESPN and attracts millions of viewers each year.

Criticism and Controversy

While MLE has brought competitive eating to a wider audience, it has also faced criticism. Some health experts argue that competitive eating can be dangerous and promote unhealthy eating habits. There have also been controversies regarding the treatment of competitors and the transparency of the organization.

Related Pages

• Competitive eating
• Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
• Joey Chestnut
• Takeru Kobayashi
• Sonya Thomas
• George Shea
• Richard Shea